How to Dispose of a Refrigerator or Freezer in San Antonio, TX
Getting rid of an old refrigerator, freezer, or mini-fridge in San Antonio takes more care than a regular trash pickup. Texas state law and the Clean Air Act require refrigerants to be reclaimed by a certified technician, so you can't just leave a fridge at the curb. Here's the step-by-step on the legal, safe, and fastest way to dispose of a refrigerator in San Antonio.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Unplug and defrost the unit
Unplug the refrigerator at least 24 hours before disposal and prop the doors open so it can defrost. Place towels underneath to catch any melted frost or water.
- 2
Remove all food and shelves
Empty the fridge completely — including shelves, drawers, and ice bins. Tape or tie the doors shut so they don't swing during loading.
- 3
Check for a Freon / refrigerant sticker
Refrigerators contain refrigerants that must be reclaimed. A licensed junk removal crew or appliance recycler will handle this; you cannot legally put a fridge in a standard landfill bin.
- 4
Schedule a pickup or drop-off
Book a same-day appliance pickup with Razorbill (text photos to 210-405-5761) or drop it off at a Bexar County appliance recycling facility. We deliver it to certified recyclers.
- 5
Confirm responsible recycling
Make sure the hauler recycles the metal, reclaims the refrigerant, and diverts the unit from the landfill. Razorbill does all of this as part of the pickup.
Tools & Supplies You'll Need
- Towels for defrost runoff
- Tape or bungee cord to secure doors
- A dolly or second person for lifting
Appliances Disposal FAQs in San Antonio
Can I put a refrigerator on the curb in San Antonio?
No. San Antonio Solid Waste Management does not collect refrigerators from the curb because of refrigerant regulations. You need a licensed appliance hauler or a certified recycling drop-off.
How much does refrigerator removal cost in San Antonio?
Refrigerator removal with Razorbill starts at $95–$135 for a single appliance as part of our minimum-load pricing. The price includes legal refrigerant reclamation, metal recycling, and hauling.
Does Razorbill recycle refrigerators?
Yes. We deliver refrigerators and freezers to certified appliance recyclers in San Antonio who reclaim the refrigerant and recycle the metal, keeping it out of the landfill.
Our Transformations in Appliance Removal
Real before & after junk removal results from our licensed San Antonio crew. See the clutter disappear!
Appliance & Refrigerator Removal
See how our crew cleared out two bulky fridges and swept clean
Skip the DIY — Let Razorbill Handle the Heavy Lifting
Same-day pickup, upfront volume pricing, and responsible recycling across San Antonio. Text photos to (210)-405-5761 for a free estimate.